Business News Round Up (23/12/19)
Scottish Government fears ‘serious impact’ of UK immigration changes
The Scottish Government has demanded action to ensure that a proposed overhaul of UK immigration does not have a ‘serious impact’ on fragile communities. Now, in an official submission to an evaluation of a points-based system by Westminster’s Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), Scottish ministers have warned against the introduction of any salary threshold to restrict migration and called for more time to develop detailed plans.
A clear North-South divide has emerged in UK manufacturing
A North-South divide has emerged in the performance of UK manufacturing firm, according to a quarterly snapshot of industrial confidence by Make UK. The study found that firms in the southeast were outstripping those in other regions in terms of output, orders, employment and investment.
Make UK’s survey of 339 companies suggests London and the South East is the second largest manufacturing region in the country behind the North West – employing more than 400,000 people and worth £28bn.
https://inews.co.uk/news/a-clear-north-south-divide-has-emerged-in-uk-manufacturing-1347962
Multi-million pound expansion plans revealed for marine science park
Plans to build a new research and development lab have been revealed at the European Marine Science Park in Oban. The plans have been submitted to the Argyll and Bute Council which includes road improvements, infrastructure upgrades and a new flexible office and a laboratory building.
Eden Mill gin plans to build new carbon neutral distillery in St. Andrews
Eden Mill has revealed plans for a new carbon neutral distillery after experiencing a 48% increase in revenues. The St. Andrews based distiller reported an £8 million increase in turnover following the expansion of its product portfolio. Operating profit for the year grew to £495,000 with the business predicting that profits will reach almost double that this year driven by increased sales and efficiency measures. Sales in the first months of the current financial year are up by 17%.
https://www.insider.co.uk/company-results-forecasts/eden-mill-gin-plans-build-21149252